Lynchburg Residents Divided Over Proposed Abortion Clinic Zoning Changes

The ordinance would separate abortion clinics from other medical facilities and require a conditional use permit and council approval before opening.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Lynchburg City Council is set to discuss a proposed abortion zoning ordinance that would restrict where abortion clinics are allowed to be located in the city. The ordinance would separate abortion clinics from other medical facilities and require a conditional use permit and council approval before opening. There are currently no abortion clinics in Lynchburg, so the proposed zoning would only apply to new clinics that choose to open in the city.

Why it matters

The proposed ordinance has sparked debate among Lynchburg residents, with supporters arguing it protects the community and respects local values, while opponents say it does not reflect the views of the community and could further limit access to medical care in an area already facing healthcare shortages.

The details

The ordinance would require abortion clinics to obtain a conditional use permit and receive approval from the city council before opening in Lynchburg. This is in contrast to the zoning requirements for other medical facilities in the city. Supporters of the ordinance say it is necessary to protect the community, while opponents argue it is using zoning to insert personal ideology into city governance.

  • The Lynchburg City Council is hosting a public hearing on the proposed ordinance on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 6 p.m.

The players

Andrew McKnight

A Lynchburg resident who supports the proposed ordinance, stating that it protects minority communities from "predatory corporations like Planned Parenthood".

Andrea Yesalis

A Lynchburg resident who supports the proposed ordinance, stating that it strikes a balance between respecting women's constitutional rights and local values.

Jennifer Staten

A Lynchburg resident who opposes the proposed ordinance, stating that it is not a neutral zoning policy and is instead using zoning to insert personal ideology into city governance.

Risë Hayes

A Lynchburg resident who opposes the proposed ordinance, arguing that it will further limit access to medical care in an area already facing healthcare shortages.

Chris Faraldi

A Lynchburg City Councilman who has stated he will not support the ordinance as drafted, saying the language still leaves a path for Planned Parenthood to open in the city.

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What they’re saying

“I believe that those minority communities specifically need greater protection from predatory corporations like Planned Parenthood, but again, I'm opposed to abortion in principle. I zoning should do.”

— Andrew McKnight, Lynchburg resident (WDBJ7)

“This is an ordinance that's pretty respectful to both sides. It doesn't prohibit women's constitutional right to abortion, but at the same time, it respects those citizens who are very opposed to abortion.”

— Andrea Yesalis, Lynchburg resident (WDBJ7)

“The zoning should be neutral, and this just isn't neutral zoning policy. This is using zoning to insert personal ideology into city governance.”

— Jennifer Staten, Lynchburg resident (WDBJ7)

“This is medical care. I know that there's a lot of emotion around the idea of abortions, but at the end of the day, what it really comes down to is it's medical care for women, and we already have a shortage of gynecologists here in the city, so making it even harder for someone to come and give us care is just it's irresponsible of the city council.”

— Risë Hayes, Lynchburg resident (WDBJ7)

What’s next

Councilman Chris Faraldi has stated he will not support the ordinance as drafted, saying the language still leaves a path for Planned Parenthood to open in the city. The city council will hold a public hearing on the proposed ordinance on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 6 p.m.

The takeaway

The proposed abortion clinic zoning ordinance in Lynchburg has divided the community, with supporters arguing it protects local values and opponents saying it limits access to medical care and improperly inserts personal ideology into city governance. The outcome of the public hearing and city council vote will have significant implications for the availability of abortion services in the Lynchburg area.